The DA in Bela-Bela welcomes the South African Heritage Association (SAHRA) order to stop construction in the Koppewaai development.
The Bela Bela Heritage Association in conjunction with various heritage stakeholders and archeologists recently discovered Anglo Boer War artifacts in the development area.
After obtaining the necessary permits with the DA’s assistance, the heritage association unearthed more than 300 different artifacts in recent weeks at Koppewaai and the surroundings areas.
The Koppewaai housing project commenced in 2011 and remain incomplete and in disarray after 14 years.
When the contractors resorted to blasting in the mountainous area and used earthworks in the proximity of the archeological site, historical structures were damaged.
Following SAHRA’s instruction the DA accompanied Mr. Johan van Niekerk of the heritage association to lay criminal charges at the Bela Bela police station.
During an oversight to the affected areas SAHRA and COGHSTA representatives agreed to an investigation into the site and that the artefacts will not be disturbed.
Only after SAHRA has concluded its investigation into the archeological significance of the site, will construction be allowed to proceed.
We further support the exciting possibility of the establishment of a museum to house the artefacts.
The DA will continue to assist in the safeguard of lost heritage, to create further opportunities in the tourism sector to benefit the community and to conserve these artefacts for posterity.